It’s here. The day has finally come. Schools, libraries, and experts have been begging for help with cybersecurity funding. And now, the FCC is ready to deliver.
Kind of.
If you haven’t heard the news already, the FCC recently announced the creation of its new Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. It’s a 3-year program designed to study the need and impacts of providing E-Rate eligible schools and libraries with funds specifically for cybersecurity.
The program is capped at $200 million in total. So, not everyone is going to get to participate. But, if you don’t apply your chances of being accepted are zero!
While it may seem like a long-shot, applying for this program is important beyond the possible funding windfall. Because the more schools, districts, and libraries apply, the more program administrators will realize just how desperate the need for help is.
FREE! FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program Pre-Application Checklist. Download Here >>
This is a new program, and details are still forthcoming. This blog covers the questions that our team is hearing from school districts the most with the most updated information we have. We will make every effort possible to update it with more information as it becomes available.
How do I know if my school or library is eligible?
If your school, district, or library is eligible for E-Rate, then you are eligible for this program as well. Importantly, you don’t have to be participating in E-Rate in order to be eligible for this program.
Further, receipt of E-Rate funds doesn’t disqualify you from participating in this program, either. However, you cannot apply for funds for solutions which you are already receiving E-Rate funds for.
Eligible schools and libraries can apply as part of a consortium; however, you can only participate once, either individually or as part of a consortium (no double-dipping!)
Do I have to be participating in the E-Rate program to be eligible?
No, you don’t have to be participating in E-Rate in order to be eligible for this program.
Further, receipt of E-Rate funds doesn’t disqualify you from participating in this program, either. However, you cannot apply for funds for solutions which you are already receiving E-Rate funds for.
FREE! FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program Pre-Application Checklist. Download Here >>
Where is the money coming from?
100% of the funding for this 3-year Pilot program is coming from unused E-Rate funds from prior funding years. Basically, the money that was budgeted for previous years but never used will cover the full $200 million cap.
Do I have to use the funds equally over the 3 years?
Nope! According to the Report and Order released by the FCC, the amount awarded will be for the full 3-year pilot period. However, you can request reimbursement for approved expenses as they are incurred. So, if you need to spend more in the first year to get set up you can do that.
How much is my school or district eligible for?
Program funding awards are capped at $13.60 per student, per year on a pre-discount basis. Schools and districts will be eligible to receive a minimum of $15,000 and a maximum of $1.5 million in annual support over the 3-year pilot.
Doing the math for you, that comes out to a total of $40.80 per student, with a minimum of $45,000 and a maximum of $4.5 million over the full 3-year program.
How much is my library eligible for?
Funding for library systems, frankly, seems a little more fuzzy. It’s looking like library systems with up to 11 libraries/sites are eligible for $15,000 annual pre-discount budget and those with more than 11 libraries/sites will be eligible for up to $175,000 annually. That comes out to a minimum of $45,000 and a maximum of $525,000 total.
Can I apply as part of a consortium?
Don’t have the time, cybersecurity expertise, or (let’s face it) desire to go through this application process on your own? Joining a consortium might be right for you!
Eligible schools and libraries are permitted to participate in the Pilot Program as part of a consortium. The consortia are expected to help reduce costs and allow for larger, better-resourced schools and libraries to partner with smaller participants. However, each school or library can only apply and participate once, either individually or as part of a consortium (again, no double-dipping!)
FREE! FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program Pre-Application Checklist. Download Here >>
Does my district have to pay for any of the cybersecurity equipment or services we will be purchasing as part of this program?
Yes, there is a cost-sharing element to this program. Participants are required to contribute a non-discount share of the costs, similar to the E-Rate program. The amount you have to contribute is determined by your district’s category one discount rate, with the neediest schools eligible for support covering 90% of costs, requiring you to contribute 10% of approved, incurred costs.
What are the goals of this program?
Broadly, the program aims to improve the security of E-Rate funded broadband networks and data by helping participants acquire cybersecurity services and equipment. It will be used to help assess the amount of funding needed to meet the demand for cybersecurity services, if extended to the E-Rate program, while evaluating how to best use federal cybersecurity tools and resources.
According to the Report and Order, the program also aims to reach as many schools as possible and prioritize lower-income schools. The program aims to distribute funding widely across the United States, with an emphasis on low-income and Tribal applicants, with funds being allocated first to requests for support at the highest discount rate, which is determined based on the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
The program also aims to study the effectiveness of a wide variety of cybersecurity solutions without limiting eligibility to a specific set of pre-authorized components. This approach allows participants flexibility in determining which solutions best serve their needs. The program includes a wide range of eligible technologies and services.
FREE! FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program Pre-Application Checklist. Download Here >>
Finally, the bottom line measurement of the program’s success seems to be that of reducing the cost of cyberattacks. The document states that, if the Pilot can reduce the annual monetary cost of cyberattacks on participating K-12 schools by at least 42 percent, the expected economic benefits of increased cybersecurity would exceed the costs.
What kinds of cybersecurity equipment and services are eligible?
The FCC opted for a flexible approach to the question of eligible equipment and services. This flexibility allows schools and libraries to select the options that will be most valuable and effective for them. It will also help the FCC evaluate what type of solutions have the strongest demand, as well as the best impact on cybersecurity outcomes.
Eligible services are outlined in four broad categories, which include: Advanced and Next-Generation Firewalls, Endpoint Protection, Identity Protection and Authentication, and Monitoring, Detection, and Response
Are the eligible equipment and services limited to those that are used on E-Rate funded broadband networks?
No, the eligible equipment and services are not limited to those used on E-Rate funded broadband networks. The program allows for flexibility and does not restrict eligibility to services and equipment only on E-Rate-funded networks, permitting a broader range of use cases that still align with the program’s goals of enhancing cybersecurity for educational purposes.
FREE! FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program Pre-Application Checklist. Download Here >>
How do I get started?
The FCC hasn’t announced it yet, but most “in the know” believe that the application period for this program will open up around early September. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to start planning for your school, district, or library’s application.
Information on what will likely be in the application is available in the Report and Order. We’ve also gone ahead and created this pre-application checklist to help you get a head-start on the process.